Be an informed patient

EXPERT ADVICE From Dr. Toni Brayer

Updated 5:41 pm, Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Dr. Toni Brayer says having someone go with you to the doctor is helpful.

Dr. Toni Brayer says having someone go with you to the doctor is helpful.

Photo: Courtesy Of CPMC

Be an informed patient

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Health care has become a complex enterprise, and for many patients it can be expensive, confusing and scary. But there are some simple things health care consumers can do to get the most out of the services they receive and buy.

A little bit of planning can go a long way toward ensuring safety and making sure you get your money's worth.

Be a prepared patient

Making a list of your health problems before your visit to the doctor helps, but too many items on the list can be too much to cover in one visit and you may leave unsatisfied. It's best to highlight your top three concerns and spend time on them. After they have been addressed, you can discuss others if there is still time. Doctors need help prioritizing too, and you are the one with the information.

Medications are a huge cause of medical errors and adverse reactions for patients. Take a list of your medication - all of them. That includes over-the-counter, supplements and meds prescribed by another doctor. If you don't have an accurate list, dump them all in a paper bag and take the bottles. One of the most savvy things you can do is help your doctor get your medications right.

Take an advocate along. If you have a serious problem or aren't sure you will understand the doctor's instructions, having a health care buddy can be a huge help. That person can take notes and also help you remember details that are important.

Ask bold questions

Any time you are prescribed a new medicine, you should know the answers to these five questions:

-- What is the name of the medication and the generic name?

-- What is the medication for?

-- How do I take it and how long will I take it?

-- Are there any side effects or drug interactions I should watch for?

-- Does it come in generic form?

If your medication is available in generic form, ask for that prescription. The price of commonly used drugs grew 25 percent between 2005 and 2009, according to AARP, and your out-of-pocket cost will be higher with brand-name drugs.

Be smart and safe

Unfortunately medical errors can occur anywhere - in hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, doctor's offices and even patients' homes. The best way to prevent errors is to be an active and involved member of your health care team. Here are some tips for making sure you stay safe and healthy:

-- If you are having surgery, make sure you and the surgeon agree on exactly what will be done. I am often surprised when I see patients for a pre-op exam and they do not know what the surgery will entail or how long they will be in the hospital. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and if you don't understand - ask again. This is a good time for the health buddy to be there taking notes.

-- If you have a choice, choose a hospital that has experience with the surgery you're having and even publishes their outcomes like infection, readmission and mortality rates. This is public information that your surgeon should be able to supply.

-- Make sure that your primary-care doctor is coordinating your care and knows where and when the surgery will take place.

-- Watch that health care workers wash their hands before touching you. It's OK to say, "Oops, please wash so I don't get an infection."

-- If you are discharged from the hospital, it is important to know what new medicines you will be taking and whether you should resume the ones you have at home. Don't forget to ask the questions about medication listed above. More mistakes are made around medicine than any other cause.

-- Understand that more is not always better. Ask if a test or procedure could improve things for you. If the answer is no, you may be better off without it.

-- Always make sure you get test results. Never assume that "no news is good news."

Never be afraid to ask a question if you are unclear on something or if the instructions are confusing. Remember that you are the center of the health care team and your understanding is most important.

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